The #1 Thing

There are tons of books, magazines, blogs, and websites that provide great help when it comes to how to be a better Youth Pastor.  I follow dozens of blogs, read as many books as I can, and subscribe to several magazines.  All of these are helpful at times.  There is however something that is a MUST HAVE/MUST DO when it comes to being a better Youth Pastor (or husband, father, friend, believer, person, etc.).  You must have a mentor.  Here are six reasons why you need a mentor:

You need a mentor because you don’t know what you don’t know

You know you don’t know it all (hopefully).  You know you need to learn.  The problem often is that we don’t know what we don’t know.  You need someone who we can learn from.  You need someone who can tell you what you don’t know.

You need a mentor because you need someone to consistently encourage you

Ministry is very often a lonely place.  You will find yourself frequently receiving “free advice” on what you should be doing.  Critics abound, but true encouragers are sadly a rare find.  You need someone who can consistently be there to encourage you.

You need a mentor because you need someone to consistently give reproof

We tend to surround ourselves with people who are like us.  At the very least we often surround ourselves with people who do like us.  You need someone who you can trust to give loving, consistent reproof to your life and ministry.

You need a mentor because you need someone you can go to for advice

You will find yourself needing advice many times in your life and ministry.  A mentor who has walked ahead in life can be a great and wise counsel to you.

You need a mentor because you need someone praying for you

The greatest gift someone can give your ministry is consistent, intentional, informed prayer on your behalf.  A mentor who is investing in your life and ministry can be your greatest prayer warrior.

You need a mentor because it is biblical

Here are just a few passages that speak to the importance of mentoring:

• Titus 2:3-8
• Psalm 145:4
• Psalm 71:8
• Proverbs 27:17
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8
• 1 Corinthians 11:1

Do you have a mentor?  What are other reasons you feel a mentor is needed?  What are the difficulties in finding a mentor?  Leave a comment and share below!

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